M.
D. Ramanathan was born in Manjapara, Palghat District, Kerala on 20
May 1923. MDR took his B.Sc. degree in Physics from Govt. Victoria College,
Palakkad. He had his early training in music from his father, Devesa
Bhagavatar, a music teacher. MDR joined the Sangita Siromani music course
at Kalakshetra in 1944.

Tiger S. Varadachariar as Principal of the Kalakshetra then. MDR got special
training from Tiger S. Varadachariar and became his favourite disciple. After
his graduation at Kalakshetra, MDR went on to become a Professor of music
in the same institution. He received the 'Padmasri' in 1974, the Sangeet Natak
Akademi award in 1975 and the Indian Fine Arts Society's 'Sangita Kala Sikhamani'
title in 1976. MDR passed away aged sixty on 27 April 1984, due to heart failure.
He has an adopted son (his sister's son), Balaji.The style of M. D. Ramanathan
is quite unique, for the rich, deep voice with bass tone and the slow speed
(vilambita kala). MDR is also famous for his stage mannerisms. His facial
contortions and his squint add to his unique style. He has sung in the Navarathri
Mandapam many times and has sung all the nine Krithis. His favourite Swathi
Kritis are: Paripalayamam (Reethi Gowla), Paramananda (Kedaram), Smarajanaka
(Bihag), Padmanabha Paahi (Hindolam), Jalajanaabha (Nata Kurunji), Deva Deva
(Poorvi Kalyani), Raama Raama (Devagaandhari), Vihara Maanasa (Kaapi), and
Bhavayami (Raaga maalika). He also frequently sang the last stanza of Bhavayami
(Madhyamavathi) as closing piece, mixed with Pavamaanasa Mangalam of Thyagaraja.
MDR has composed around 300 kritis, in Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu. His signature
is Varadadasa (a reference to his guru).

Dept.
of Culture,Govt of Kerala,India, Centre for Development of
Imaging Technology & Vailoppally Sanskriti Bhavan